BACKGROUND In this study, we investigated whether the infusion of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), combined with transient immunosuppressant treatment, could suppress allograft rejection and modulate T-cell regulation in a swine orthotopic hemi-facial composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA) model. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Outbred miniature swine underwent hemi-facia...

INTRODUCTION: Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) offers superior functional recovery following devastating maxillofacial and upper limb injuries compared to traditional reconstructive techniques. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of a novel sub-normothermic (SN) ex-vivo perfusion strategy using hyper-oxygenated University of Wisconsin (UW) solution to mitigate reperfusion injury (RI)...

Vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA) is a novel surgical practice that involves the transplantation of multiple tissue types as functional unit without primary purpose extending life. While VCA upper extremity becoming increasingly accepted and performed, lower remains largely unexplored despite its acknowledged potential value. There are inherent ethical concerns surrounding domina...

The recent clinical cases of hand and composite tissue allotransplantation opened a new era in the practice of reconstructive surgery. Some have suggested that face (allo)transplantation could be the next step to benefit patients whose conditions cannot be addressed by conventional techniques of reconstructive surgery using autologous tissues. This article reviews the current status of science ...

We report a case of a young double-hand allotransplant patient who presented with a full-thickness skin necrosis of the dorsum of the left hand after vascular compromise of the allotransplantation. Considering the lack of viable dorsal tissue overlying the extensor tendons and the need for early hand rehabilitation, an ultrathin pedicled groin flap was used for the coverage. This procedure resu...

OBJECTIVE Facial allotransplantation is fast becoming a reconstructive option for severely disfigured individuals, but it is still in experimental stage. Facial allotransplantation will be considered fully ethical only when it addresses the recipient's identity concerns. There exist no such studies that quantify and predict identity changes following change in geometry of underlying facial skel...

Composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA) now represents a valid therapeutic option after the loss of a hand, forearm or digits and has become a novel therapeutic entity in reconstructive surgery. However, long term high-dose multi-drug immunosuppressive therapy is required to ensure graft survival, bearing the risk of serious side effects which halters broader application. Further progression...